In The Crease

Canadiens defenseman Vladimir Malakhov (below) has been anenigma since coming to the NHL in 1992-93, but in Montreal'sfirst-round series against the Penguins, which the Canadiens won4-2 on Sunday, he has proved that when he's focused, he can beas good as any backliner in the league. Not only does theRussian-born Malakhov have a booming shot from the point (onegoal and three assists through six postseason games), but healso has the size (6'3", 220 pounds), strength and speed to helpshut down a star like Pittsburgh's Jaromir Jagr.... TheSenators' ability to contain New Jersey's vaunted cycle game mayhave been the biggest reason for their first-round upset. CreditOttawa coach Jacques Martin with having taught his troops how toestablish body position down low and how to stick to and pinbigger players.... What was the turning point in theSharks-Stars series, which Dallas won? Midway through Game 5,San Jose was leading 2-1, and during a 30-second span it had apair of two-on-ones led by its top offensive players, forwardsJeff Friesen and Owen Nolan. San Jose didn't get a shot on goaleither time, and Dallas came back for the 3-2 victory that gavethe Stars a 3-2 series lead.... One reason that the No. 2-seededAvalanche struggled in the first round against the No. 7Oilers--the series was tied 3-3 through Sunday--was Colorado'slack of depth. Solid right wing Mike Keane signed as a freeagent with the Rangers last summer, hard-nosed center Mike Ricciwas traded to the Sharks in November, and defensive specialistRene Corbet broke his left thumb in Game 1. To win in theplayoffs, teams need a good supply of skill and grit.... DougMacLean, the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, whowill begin play in the NHL in 2000-01, has the best job inhockey. He's getting a full salary, and he has the chance tobuild the Blue Jackets from scratch. Recently MacLean spentthree days in Dallas learning how the Stars have successfullymarketed their team.